Hello everyone,
I have a question regarding the choice of windows.
I always assumed we would go with uPVC windows because of the lower maintenance required.
However, our architect is completely convinced of wooden windows.
Now I would like to hear your opinion: uPVC windows or wooden windows? Advantages and disadvantages?
I have a question regarding the choice of windows.
I always assumed we would go with uPVC windows because of the lower maintenance required.
However, our architect is completely convinced of wooden windows.
Now I would like to hear your opinion: uPVC windows or wooden windows? Advantages and disadvantages?
D
DerBjoern23 Jun 2015 11:16I also prefer uPVC windows. With a textured foil finish, they look quite good visually and from a distance, are indistinguishable from wood.
S
Sebastian7923 Jun 2015 11:24Well, the profile width alone usually makes it clear that it’s not wood. We also ordered a textured finish on the outside, but not because it would then be unmistakably wood, rather because we thought it looked quite nice that way.
D
DerBjoern23 Jun 2015 11:35It was the same for us. And the advantage is that small scratches don’t show immediately like they do on smooth plastic surfaces.
Anyone with some knowledge can always tell that it’s not real wood, even considering the profile width…
Anyone with some knowledge can always tell that it’s not real wood, even considering the profile width…
S
Sebastian7923 Jun 2015 11:39The scratches argument was the same for us.
I mentioned the profile width because you said that from a distance you can hardly or not at all tell the difference – but you can definitely see it once you know what to look for.
However, I think that 98% of people don’t even walk through the house and think or say, “Oh, plastic windows? Terrible…”
I mentioned the profile width because you said that from a distance you can hardly or not at all tell the difference – but you can definitely see it once you know what to look for.
However, I think that 98% of people don’t even walk through the house and think or say, “Oh, plastic windows? Terrible…”
D
DerBjoern23 Jun 2015 11:43Lexmaul79 schrieb:
But I think that 98% of people don’t even walk through a house and think or say, “Oh, plastic windows? Horrible…” Well, just recently, when I was working in the front yard, I overheard two passersby talking about our house, literally saying, “That looks awful!”
They didn’t care at all that I was standing just 3 m (10 feet) away.
But I can live with that; not everyone can have good taste.
I didn’t mention Meranti or similar woods, and FSC certification is basically nonexistent except on paper (I come from the timber industry). Good wood finishes are based on oil (sunflower oil); I would never apply anything else on wood. However, for that, you need to visit a specialist store, not a general hardware store.
If you have ever replaced glazing in an old building using large-profile wooden windows where the glass thickness was different, you will quickly notice the advantage of wooden windows—if the carpenter can properly plane the sash to fit the new measurements. Try that with a PVC sash. Although, by then, the PVC sash is probably already nearing the end of its lifespan.
We did this for my sister-in-law’s house, which has windows made from local oak, about 60 years old as far as I know. During the renovation, new window panes were installed, which fit into the existing sashes after adjustment work (the panes were thicker than 40-year-old glass).
If you have ever replaced glazing in an old building using large-profile wooden windows where the glass thickness was different, you will quickly notice the advantage of wooden windows—if the carpenter can properly plane the sash to fit the new measurements. Try that with a PVC sash. Although, by then, the PVC sash is probably already nearing the end of its lifespan.
We did this for my sister-in-law’s house, which has windows made from local oak, about 60 years old as far as I know. During the renovation, new window panes were installed, which fit into the existing sashes after adjustment work (the panes were thicker than 40-year-old glass).